MTA may test new hybrid electric buses

[Trainspotter 0]

MTA may test new hybrid electric buses

 

Library-quiet electric hybrid buses could be put to the test on city streets this fall.

 

Thirty futuristic-looking 40-foot buses will roll out on local routes in Manhattan beginning this September if the MTA board approves a $50 million-plus contract for a two-phase pilot project next week. If all goes well, the agency would then give the green light for the second phase, which would bring another 60 electric hybrid buses to the streets.

 

A smaller model of the buses proved successful during a 30-day trial run last fall on Manhattan and Queens bus routes. Transit officials are optimistic the buses will stand up to bumpy city streets during the pilot.

 

"We wouldn't be going through this step if we didn't think it was worth it," New York City Transit spokesman Paul Fleuranges said.

 

The buses feature a hybrid electric turbine engine in place of a diesel engine, quieting down an operating bus to a whisper. The engines also do not require oil changes and some other maintenance, so the buses are better for the environment and cheaper to operate, transit said.

 

Transit already has 824 diesel hybrid buses in its fleet of 4,565 at a cost of $531,666 each. The new hybrid electric turbine engine buses cost an additional $28,136 a piece, but cuts down on maintenance costs.

 

"Over time, even though we're spending a bit more, the savings far out way the other buses," Fleuranges said.

 

From: - July 17, 2008

[trainfan22 2,195]

My guess would be they are testing buses from NF and gillig.

[yukonXman 0]

something like this would be good for staten island ,where maintenance is the worst in the fleet

[nycbusfan 2]

My guess would be they are testing buses from NF and gillig.

Since it says it was tested last year they will most likely be testing Designline buses.

[UlmerPark B6 0]

the can get a special order of designline buses specially made to 40 ft.

[East New York 4,103]

the can get a special order of designline buses specially made to 40 ft.

 

Designline makes buses of all standard lengths except articulated. However, they are all ugly IMO.

[7LineFan 256]

Since it says it was tested last year they will most likely be testing Designline buses.

 

So then it would be a longer version of this? Bustalk.info.

[Pablo M 201 35]

Designline makes buses of all standard lengths except articulated. However, they are all ugly IMO.

Can say that again.

 

These things are going to be quieter than the O7s? HA.

[UlmerPark B6 0]

if the first bought 30 new buses pilot program comes, that means every depot can get at least 1 bus to see which depot it should be in.

[BJC 4]

What wrong with Orion 7?why they getting theses buses when you have a large order coming in this year??MTA should save their money and don't buy theses ugly buses.

[UlmerPark B6 0]

What wrong with Orion 7?why they getting theses buses when you have a large order coming in this year??MTA should save their money and don't buy theses ugly buses.

 

no they are not using 30-footers, thet are gonna finish the second phase of the project of 40-footers